To help you choose a holiday that best suits your level of fitness, all our walking holidays are rated using the Headwater activity grading system, focusing primarily on distance and ascent.
On the individual holiday pages (and in our brochure) you'll see each tour is marked with a rating from 1 to 4. You can also search for your required activity level in our holiday finder.
On some holidays there is a choice of routes and, for these, two ratings will be shown (you’re free to choose between routes on a day-by-day basis). You’ll also notice a + symbol on a few holidays too - this is just letting you know that some small sections of the route will be slightly more challenging than the overall grading.
Suitable for anyone who is reasonably fit and healthy, enjoys the occasional weekend walk and can walk for 2-5 hours on any given day. Some holidays involve short, steeper sections; others will include gentler, but longer ascents/descents. Trails are seldom totally flat so you should be prepared for altitude changes of up to 400m on some days. A head for heights is not necessary.
Suitable for anyone looking for walks of 4-6 hours and confident with daily ascents/descents of up to 700m. You don't need specific walking experience; however, good health and reasonable fitness are important. There may be some sections on uneven terrain where scrambling is required. On certain holidays, you do need a head for heights; this is specified on the holiday pages where applicable.
Fitness is important as you can expect to be walking for 5-7 hours, including up to 1,000m ascents/descents. Compass reading skills and experience of walking in mountains is important, and you should have a reasonable head for heights. There is likely to be some scrambling required, although not rock climbing. Not suitable for under-12s.
Fitness is important as you can expect to be walking for 6-8 hours, including up to 1,200m ascents/descents. High altitudes, climate and remoteness can also be a factor depending on your chosen destination. Previous trekking experience is desirable, but not vital if you are confident of your physical condition. Not suitable for under-12s.
